Chicago Tribune
Copyright 2007 Chicago Tribune Company

BATAVIA, Ill. — Four people became unconscious or were sickened by carbon monoxide during a Sunday morning service at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia, according to Fire Department officials.

The three who lost consciousness were treated at Delnor-Community Hospital in Geneva and released, Battalion Chief Randy Banker said. The fourth person who tested positive for carbon monoxide was taken to another hospital, but not by the Fire Department, Banker said.

Although fire and Nicor gas company officials believe all four were sickened by carbon monoxide, they were unable to determine the source of the gas Sunday, Banker said, adding that a carbon monoxide buildup can be caused by a downdraft in a building's flue.

The first emergency call was received about 9 a.m. when one person was reported unconscious at the church, officials said. By the time emergency workers arrived, a second person was unconscious and a third passed out minutes later, Banker said.